Author Notes:Comforting without the comfort food calories and residual waistline woes, this protein- and fiber-rich curry boasts chickpeas and red lentils, providing a belly-filling meal while leaving you light and bright in the midst of swimsuit season. Taking advantage of a free Sunday evening, I prepare my one-pot vegan squash curry, allowing it to simmer to perfection while I buzz about, and keep it handy in my refrigerator (or freezer for easy defrosting) as I need it. Best served hot or cold.

Food52 Review: WHO: Alexandra Dawson is a Washington, D.C.-based student studying to be a nutritionist.
WHAT: A creamy vegan curry that hits the spot even in hot weather.
HOW: Sauté curry paste with garlic and onions, then add coconut milk, tomatoes, kale, chickpeas, and lots of summer squash. Dinner's only 30 minutes away!
WHY WE LOVE IT: When we want something that will stick to our bones, something creamy and hefty but not heavy, we'll turn to this soup: It's creamy from the coconut milk and lentils, and satisfying thanks to all of the vegetables, chickpeas, and ribbons of kale. And it comes together so quickly, we'll be making it as long as summer squash is in season (and then figuring out ways to adapt it to winter squash!) —The Editors

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Serves 5

2
tablespoons red thai curry paste

2
cups low sodium vegetable stock, divided

1
yellow onion, diced

1 3/4
pounds summer squash, diced (I use zucchini and scallop squash)

1/2
pound grape tomatoes, halved (I used Zima tomatoes)

1
cup full-fat coconut milk (from a can)

1/2
cup uncooked red lentils

One
15-ounce can chickpeas, thoroughly drained and rinsed

4
leaves of kale, stems removed, leaves finely chopped

Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

In a large Dutch oven or heavy pot, heat red Thai curry paste and 1/4 cup vegetable stock over medium-high heat until just simmering. Add the diced onion and sauté, stirring frequently, until soft and slightly golden (about 4 to 5 minutes). Stir in squash and another 1/4 cup vegetable stock and continue to sauté for an additional 5 minutes.

Stir in the remaining 1 1/2 cups vegetable stock, sliced tomatoes, coconut milk, and lentils and bring pot to a boil. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the lentils are tender. Remove cover and gently stir in chickpeas and chopped kale until kale is just wilted. Remove from heat, season, serve, and enjoy!

Great way to use up squash. I added Thai chile powder up front since others mentioned it wasn't spicy. If I made it again, I would add the chickpeas earlier so they absorb more of the flavor. Served over jasmine rice.

I made this and I loved it! The one thing I would do differently is add a little more spices (I added more curry powder, cilantro, and ginger) and a little more heat. I added a jalapeno, but I loved the red curry and the squash. Definitely making this again,